About

The course combines an emphasis on the key practical skills essential for a career within the archaeological profession with a critical study of the advanced theoretical and methodological concepts underpinning the discipline.

We stress the acquisition of vocational skills through practical experience using as our 'laboratory' the rich archaeological resource of Orkney, home to some of the world's most renowned archaeological monuments.

Core modules will introduce you to the principles, philosophy and theory of cultural heritage management and immerse you in a suite of practical archaeological techniques including excavation, non-intrusive field archaeology, digital means of exploring and recording archaeological materials, environmental archaeology and post-excavation analysis.

There is flexibility to pursue an interest in period-based modules which reflect the research specialisms of the Archaeology Institute UHI staff, or you may choose to focus entirely on our professional skills modules.

Special features

Study in the outstanding archaeological landscape of the Orkney Islands

Contribute to cutting edge archaeology research at world renowned sites including the Ness of Brodgar World Heritage site excavations

A three month placement module offers the opportunity to develop your professional skills and gain valuable fieldwork experience

Flexibility is build into the course to match your personal and professional life - you can study individual modules or work towards the PgDip or develop your expertise to gain a full masters degree

Programme Structure

Core modules are:

Cultural heritage management

Practical archaeology

You will also choose four option modules which may include:

Death and Burial Archaeology

Vikings and Norse in the North Atlantic

Neolithic Studies

From Vikings to VE Day: Scottish Medieval and Later Society

Iron Age Scotland in the Atlantic World

Archaeological and Geophysical Survey

Maritime Archaeological Heritage

Digital Analysis

Sustainability Past and Present

Excavation

Art and Archaeology: Contemporary Theory and Practice

Geoarchaeology of the North Atlantic

To achieve the award of MSc Archaeological Practice you must complete a 60 credit professional placement or dissertation.

English Language Requirements

You only need to take one of these language tests:

Minimum required score: 6.5

The IELTS – or the International English Language Test System – tests your English-language abilities (writing, listening, speaking, and reading) on a scale of 1.00–9.00. The minimum IELTS score requirement refers to which Overall Band Score you received, which is your combined average score. Read more about IELTS.

StudyPortals Tip: The UK government has confirmed new English-language testing requirements for visa and immigration purposes. Learn more

Minimum required score (Grade B2): 176

The CAE test – or the Cambridge Advanced English – is an exam for applicants who wish to get a Certificate in Advanced English. To receive the Advanced certificate, test-takers must score between 142 and 210 on the Cambridge English: Advanced test. Read more about CAE.

Note: degree programmes and applications may require a more specific minimum score for admission.

Minimum required score: 92

The TOEFL – or Test Of English as a Foreign Language – offers an internet-based test (iBT). The final, overall iBT score ranges between 0 and 120, and includes a scaled average from the four components (reading, listening, speaking, and writing). Read more about TOEFL (iBT).

Academic Requirements

You need the following GPA score:

Required score: Lower Second Class

Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to Lower Second Class on the UK Honour scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on the UK Honour scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).

Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).

2:2 honours degree or above in archaeology or closely related subject, or equivalent academic or professional qualifications

You may also be considered if you can demonstrate significant professional experience in the field of archaeology

Tuition Fee Per Full Programme

Funding

Tuition fee loans (for full-time and part-time students) and living costs loans (full-time students only) to study up to PgDip level may be available for eligible applicants from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).

The MSc Archaeological Practice is recognised by the Canadian loans system, therefore students from Canada can apply for funding to study archaeology at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

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